Fire Ravages Pristine Alabama Island

Officials say a lit cigarette near Dauphin Island Campground started the fire which over the weekend burned portions of the island which separates Alabama’s Mobile Bay from the Gulf of Mexico, WKRG-TV, Mobile, reported.

The blaze started around 4 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 27) and jumped the break after dark.

Firefighters fought the flames in the Bird Sanctuary all day, trying to protect the campground and surrounding areas.

The Alabama Forestry Commission helped fight the flames, along with the Alabama Port Fire Department.

The campgrounds were evacuated Saturday night, but campers were allowed back in a few hours later.